Faith Connexion Names First Creative Director
PARIS — Faith Connexion, which has gained a cult following for its distressed streetwear created by a collective of former Balmain designers, is naming its first official creative director from within its ranks, WWD has learned.
Nikola Vasari, a little-known talent who has worked at the brand for four years, will take the head of the group, which included former Balmain creative director Christophe Decarnin, though he always remained behind the scenes. Vasari has also held design positions at Balmain and Saint Laurent.
The designer is charged with advancing the team approach that has made Faith Connexion a hit with celebrities such as Kanye West, Beyoncé and Rihanna with items such as shredded jeans and army surplus jackets decorated by graffiti artists. Vasari will report to Isabelle Cheron, chief executive officer of Faith Connexion, the brand said on Thursday.
“Nikola's talent and his knowledge of Faith's creative ethos will for sure allow him to move quickly and seamlessly in implementing his new creative direction for both the brand and the collective,” Maria Buccellati, U.S. president of Faith Connexion, said in a statement.
“After a thorough selection process, Nikola has been chosen with the desire to evolve a style that combines glamour, sensuality and innovation that is recognized through some of our most iconic pieces he has already created for the brand. Nikola has been consequential to Faith's success and identity,” she added.
The brand's spring 2019 collection, to be presented during Paris Fashion Week, will be a collaborative effort under Vasari's supervision. His first full collection for women and men will be unveiled in February 2019.
“I believe the Faith Connexion wardrobe has to be like your best friend — adapting itself to the multiple facets of your day-to-night adventure. A good garment must reflect the expression of your personal freedom,” Vasari said.
Since it was acquired by Groupe Allard in 2012, Faith Connexion has functioned as a creative collective, launching collaborations with the likes of rapper, DJ and producer Swizz Beatz, influencer Sita Abellan, street artists Vincent Dacquin and Pisco Logik, and brands including Disney, Kappa and K-Way.
It is understood Decarnin is segueing into photography, having lensed editorials for magazines including Berlin's 032c. ■
Nikola Vasari, a member of the creative collective behind the Paris-based brand, will show his first solo collection next February.